Date:         Tue, 23 May 2006 08:00:48 -0500
Reply-To:     Discussion of Topics for Soccer Referees
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Sender:       Discussion of Topics for Soccer Referees
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From:         Ferenc & Sandy Korompai <[log in to unmask]>
Subject:      Re: Learned something new
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Go to Rule 12, Section 8, Art 3 e.: "using...offensive...language..." = disqualification.
Ferenc
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Jim DeBrabander<mailto:[log in to unmask]> 
  To: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> 
  Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2006 7:34 AM
  Subject: Learned something new


  Hopefully we all learn from our mistakes. I did last night and thought I would share with you so that someone else can learn from my stupidity.

  Girls Varsity HS match NFHS rules. Blue shows up with 8 players. White has a full squad. Ten minutes into the game Blue is up 1-0. White coach starts subbing players to keep them fresh, knowing Blue can't keep up the pressure with no subs. His plan starts to work as they even up the game 10 minutes later. Problem is his players don't understand the coaches strategy and are getting upset at being taken off. Finally one player gets called off and loudly proclaims, "Why the F&*K is he taking me out?". I am 5 yards away and clearly hear what she says. I blow my whistle, stop the clock, and explain to her that type of language is not appreciated on the field while I show her a red card. Coach was very good about the call and gave me no trouble at all.

  Coach comes up to me at halftime with his rule book in hand. I'm thinking oh sh*t here we go. However, he is still very calm and asks why she was given a red card and not a yellow. Before I can answer, he shows me the misconduct rule which states that a player shall be cautioned and shown the yellow card for incidental use of foul language.

  I spoke with the assignor after the match and turns out, the coach was right. I blew the call. As the language was not directed at anyone, I should only have cautioned her.

  Cheers,

  Jim